Android: If you're not one of the lucky folks to have Google Now working on your Android device, Maluuba is a voice-activated search tool and personal assistant that has something that many other voice command tools don't: It works really well.

On the surface, Maluuba does a lot of things that apps like our current favorite virtual assistant for Android, Vlingo, also do. The app will notify you of upcoming appointments, show you your calendar and agenda, searches for local businesses and destinations, set alarms and reminders, and more. You can do all of this with your voice, and the app responds to speech very well.

The number of voice activated "virtual assistants" for Android has exploded in recent…
Read more Read more

If you're a fan of WIndows Phone's design cues, you'll love Maluuba—it sheds the Holo styling for a very Metro tiled approach, but it's never difficult to find the information you're looking for. Just tap the microphone to speak to the app and ask it to find nearby events to go to, movie showtimes, weather conditions, and more. Then, if you want to share an appointment or event with friends, you can do so right from the app via Facebook or Twitter.

While Maluuba doesn't speak back with you, and it can't top Google Now in terms of proactively notifying you about appointments before you have to leave, or updating you with useful information before you need it, Maluuba is free at Google Play (supports Gingerbread and higher), and probably the closest thing you'll get until your phone gets Jelly Bean.